Melbourne Hotel Magic

Heritage Meets Bold Contemporary Detailing

Just a short drive from Melbourne, the historic homestead of Marnong Estate has been beautifully reimagined into a destination venue that now features a refined restaurant, elegant function centre, and boutique accommodation suites.

The renovation, led by ClarkeHopkinsClarke Architects, delivers a compelling mix of historical charm and bold contemporary sophistication. At the core of this transformation is the architectural detailing, with Intrim’s mouldings playing a starring role in bringing richness, depth, and texture to the interiors through bold profiles and layered panelling.

A Story in Every Detail

The design team honoured the estate’s heritage while pushing the boundaries with confident colour contrasts and elevated finishes. A standout feature of the project is the double wainscoting treatment—a refined approach using two inlay mould profiles to create layered inner and outer frames. Suitable for both raised panel and frame-and-panel wainscoting styles, this technique adds visual interest and a sense of luxury, perfectly suited to both traditional and neoclassic interiors.

Effortless Detailing with Intrim Mouldings

To bring this high impact vision to life, the team selected a range of Intrim’s mouldings to add elegance and architectural detailing throughout the project.

The SK122 skirting boards, in a generous 285mm H profile, provide a bold and ornate foundation to the rooms, setting a strong architectural base. For a refined finish around openings the SK71 architraves offer clean, timeless lines that complement both the contemporary and heritage elements of the estate.

To achieve the double wainscoting, IN17 and IN19 inlay moulds were paired to create a sophisticated layered frame with bespoke character and craftsmanship. The wainscoting was topped with an IN107 chair rail, providing a classic horizontal break across the panelled walls.

These profiles were specified not just for their aesthetic, but for their ability to transform the feel of each room—enhancing the architectural envelope and reinforcing a sense of luxury and permanence.

Marnong Estate’s new interior is a testament to what can be achieved when strong architectural detailing meets fearless design. For designers and architects looking to create drama, intimacy, or layered storytelling through interiors, this project serves as a compelling case study in how mouldings can shift a space from functional to unforgettable.

Architect: Clarke Hopkins Clarke Architects

Photographer: Peter Marko